Tokyo Olympics track 400 meter relay race won by Americans, last by Bob Hayes, get gold medals; start of marathon run of 26 miles through streets of Tokyo, won by former Hailie Selassie palace guard Ethiopian Akila? - closing ceremonies at night (partial newsreel).


This movie is part of the collection: Universal Newsreels

Production Company: Universal Studios
Audio/Visual: sound, b&w
Keywords:

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: Tony Marelich - - March 26, 2006
Subject: Abebe Bikila
Bikila was at the height of his powers in these 1964 Games. His performance set a world record, and represented his second consecutive marathon Gold Medal. In Rome in 1960, Bikila had been the first black African to win an Olympic Gold Medal. This is wonderful footage for those interested in watching a master at work. Also note that part of this footage was featured in the opening scene of the film "Marathon Man" with Dustin Hoffman.

For those interested in even more, see Kon Ichikawa's "Tokyo Olympiad", which contains an astonishing slow-motion running sequence featuring Bikila, in an almost supernatural meditative state, as he pulls away from the field to capture the win.